In what will now be remembered as one of the defining individual performances in women’s cricket, Shafali Verma rose to the occasion with a breathtaking 87-run knock and two pivotal wickets to guide the India women’s national cricket team to their first ever 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title, beating the South Africa women’s national cricket team by 52 runs in the final.
Coming into the tournament as a late injury replacement, Verma’s journey had already been unpredictable — but the final saw her take command. She opened the batting and laid the foundation with attacking intent, paving the way for India’s strong total. Her unbeaten 87 was built on fearless stroke-play, combining big hits with smart rotation of strike, and gave India the platform they desperately needed in a high-pressure match.
Yet what elevated her performance from great to historic was her unexpected contribution with the ball. When South Africa were building a recovery in their chase, India’s captain had the intuition to turn to Verma’s part-time off-spin. In what became a game-turning moment, Verma took two wickets in quick succession—first breaking the dangerous stand with Sune Luus, then removing Marizanne Kapp—that tilted the balance firmly back in India’s favour. Her bowling spell became the surprise weapon South Africa couldn’t anticipate.
For a player known primarily for her batting, Verma’s shift in role underscored her versatility, willingness to do whatever it takes, and readiness for big moments. In post-match reflections, even her teammates acknowledged the gamble of her bowling was the moment the final changed hands. The two wickets came at critical junctures, stopping momentum and forcing South Africa to rebuild under pressure—a pressure India’s bowlers then exploited expertly.
Her all-round impact earned her the Player of the Match award, but more than that, it etched her name into Indian cricketing history. At just 21, she demonstrated that she can anchor, accelerate and deliver when the stakes are highest. The performance will not only be celebrated for its brilliance but will serve as a template for the next generation of cricketers in India: talent may win games, but all-round contribution wins titles.
The victory itself is a watershed moment. India had long chased a World Cup title in the women’s game, and Verma’s display gave them the edge when it mattered most. Her knock gave them a total that challenged the opposition, and her wickets pushed South Africa into deeper trouble. The combination of bat and ball in a final of this magnitude is rare and powerful.
Looking ahead, Verma’s performance puts her in a new sphere of expectation and opportunity. Her batting form is now elevated to match high-value chases and big tournaments, while her bowling provides India with an additional dimension. Opponents will now respect her not just as an electric opener but as a multifaceted threat.
In the end, Shafali Verma didn’t just contribute to India’s win—she defined it. Her 87-run innings and two game-changing wickets were the heartbeat of India’s triumph. As the celebrations continue, this performance will stand out not just in scorebooks but in the narrative of Indian women’s cricket.
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